Little Hearts Learning Center expands to Paxton

Director Jessica McGowan cuts the ribbon as she launches her new business in Paxton, Loving Hearts Learning Center (LLC). TARA VOCINO PHOTO

Holden resident Jessica McGowan, who owns Little Hearts Learning Center (LLC) in Holden, held a grand opening on April 30 celebrating Loving Hearts Learning Center (LLC) an expansion of her business to the First Congregational Church in Paxton. Originally a 10-child daycare in her home in 2014, she and her husband James’ said they took a huge leap of faith by quitting their jobs to dedicate time to the business after they had a waiting list with 40 children on it.

Their inspiration is their daughter, Ava Arsenault, who has tracheomalacia. Arsenault is mostly non-verbal and both physically and mentally underdeveloped.

“We were full within three months of opening in Holden,” said McGowan. “[Pastor] Jane reached out to me and asked if I wanted to implement the daycare program here at the church. I was thrilled, and we wanted to create more quality childcare. I knew that was my calling, and that was what I was meant to do.”

Besides her daughter, her inspiration also comes from an Elizabeth Stone quote, “Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Stone was a teacher.

About 20 people, including town officials, chamber members, independent contractors and employees, Country Bank representatives, the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce, family, and clients attended the grand opening ceremony.

McGowan said the learning center, which has five rooms, is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It currently has a license for 18 preschool and 12 pre-k. Loving Hearts will be acquiring a license for seven infants and seven toddlers in June, she added. That means that they can serve children three weeks to eight years old. It officially opened its doors on April 2, and Holden opened on Nov. 2, 2015.

McGowan said she strives for a more intimate environment with lower ratios, 2:15 and 2:17. The Paxton location has a one-year lease, at least for now, she said.

“We strive for more one-on-one activities,” said McGowan who earned a Bachelor’s in elementary education from Anna Maria College in 2005. “We do yoga, meditation, music, so that they can interact socio-economically with their peers.”

Paxton Rev. Jane Willan said in a separate interview that she is excited and honored to welcome the center into the church.

“Loving Hearts Daycare is truly a gift and a blessing to both the church and the community,” Willan said. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s expensive to keep up old historic buildings, so it’s important to use them.”

Don Lutz, Willan’s wife, said it’s the first time that a daycare has been in their church, and it’s the only paid use.

“Her classes are where we do children’s ministry,” Lutz said. “Unfortunately, old churches sit empty between Monday and Saturday. It’s a poor use of what God has given us. But this partnership is a great use of what God has provided.”

The church has 150 weekly active parishioners and 270 members, Lutz added. The church hosts committee meetings as well as music and movies events during the week.

Lutz said he looks forward to many years of success, adding that it’s a fabulous partnership in a great community.

McGowan commented on her partnership with the church.

“A lot of churches are striving to bring in younger families,” McGowan said. “Upkeep costs a lot. It’s a blessing to provide a great service in a beautiful church and to help out in that way.”

McGowan said her daughter, Ava, is a huge driver as to why she gets up every day along with James, who quit his job as a surgical technician to help her pursue her dream.

“It’s been worth it,” McGowan said. “It’s all in God’s hands. The pastoral support has been phenomenal.”

She went onto say that most students are from Paxton, Holden, and Rutland. Her philosophy is that everything is taught through play to make it more fun. Each student has an Individualized Education Plan, she said.